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$801+

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Description

The Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head is a legendary piece of gear that has shaped the sound of rock and roll for decades. With its iconic all-tube design, this amplifier head delivers the genuine Marshall tone that has been cherished by guitarists from stadium stages to intimate clubs. It's the quintessential choice for musicians who crave those classic, warm overdriven sounds and punchy cleans. Known for its robust build and timeless style, the JMP MKII is a testament to Marshall's commitment to quality and performance.

This amplifier head is perfect for those seeking versatility in their sound. With its two-channel design, you can easily switch between a clean rhythm tone and a powerful lead sound, making it suitable for a variety of musical styles. The JMP MKII's intuitive controls allow for easy adjustments, enabling musicians to dial in their signature tone with precision.

Whether you're playing blistering solos or rich chord progressions, the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head stands as a reliable companion for your musical journey. Its simple yet effective design highlights the essence of what makes a Marshall amplifier a staple in the industry.

Key Features:

  • 50-watt power with all-tube design
  • Two-channel configuration for clean and lead tones
  • Classic Marshall tone with clear, dynamic response
  • Durable construction for reliable performance
  • Intuitive control layout for easy sound shaping

Product specs

Brand Marshall
Model JMP 2204 Master Model Mk2 Lead 50-Watt Guitar Amp Head
Finish Black, Fawn
Year 1975 - 1981
Made In United Kingdom
Categories Guitar Heads
Color Family Black
Direct Output No Direct Output
Electronics Tube
Impedance 16 ohms, 4 ohms, 8 ohms
Number of Channels 1 Channel
Number of Inputs 2 Inputs
Output Power (Watts) 50
Power Tube Type EL34
Reverb None

FAQs

What type of power tubes does the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head use?

The Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head uses EL34 power tubes, which are known for their classic British rock sound with a strong midrange presence.

Is the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head suitable for gigging?

Yes, with its 50-watt output, the Marshall JMP MKII is loud enough for gigging, especially in venues where you need to cut through the mix with a drummer.

How many channels does the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head have?

The Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head features a single channel, which is typical for vintage-style amps focused on delivering classic tones.

What is the impedance range for the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head?

The Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head supports 16 ohms, 8 ohms, and 4 ohms impedance, allowing for flexibility with different speaker cabinets.

Does the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head have built-in reverb?

No, the Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head does not have built-in reverb, which is consistent with its vintage design focused on pure, unaltered tone.

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Secrets of the Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk2 Lead Head - The PERFECT Marshall Amp!

Video thumbnail for Secrets of the Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk2 Lead Head - The PERFECT Marshall Amp! by The Guitologist

Secrets of the Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50W Mk2 Lead Head - The PERFECT Marshall Amp!

The Guitologist

The Guitologist

Video thumbnail for AMP TALK: 1978 Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50w Mk2 Lead - Great Dirty Tones AND Great CLEAN Tones by Ray Plays Guitar

AMP TALK: 1978 Marshall JMP 2204 Master Model 50w Mk2 Lead - Great Dirty Tones AND Great CLEAN Tones

Ray Plays Guitar

Ray Plays Guitar

Video thumbnail for 1978 MARSHALL JMP 50 WATT MASTER MODEL 50w MK2 LEAD RECORDING AMP DAN HAWKINS OF THE DARKNESS by Essex Recording Studios

1978 MARSHALL JMP 50 WATT MASTER MODEL 50w MK2 LEAD RECORDING AMP DAN HAWKINS OF THE DARKNESS

Essex Recording Studios

Essex Recording Studios

Reviews

PROS

  • Delivers classic rock and blues tones with authentic Marshall sound

  • Master Volume feature allows for great tones at lower volumes

  • Highly praised for its unique chime, crunch, and tonal nuances

  • Vintage appeal with a distinctive sonic high end

  • Works well with minimal pedals, emphasizing natural amp tone

  • Responsive to picking dynamics and guitar volume adjustments

  • Smooth overdrive and dynamic harmonics with tube modifications

  • Holds value well, becoming more desirable and collectible over time

  • Strong association with legendary rock bands like AC/DC

CONS

  • Limited clean headroom, not ideal for those seeking clean tones with high volume

  • May require specific cab pairing to maximize output efficiency

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head.

Use cases and applications

  • The amp's clean sounds are noted as impressive, making it versatile for more than just overdriven rock tones.

    Source
  • The Marshall SV20 modded with a bright cap switch and NFB pot can approach JMP tones but may still lack rawness due to lower voltage.

    Source
  • For classic rock tones, it's necessary to use an overdrive pedal, as these amps are not inherently high gain.

    Source
  • Powerful in band settings; cuts through mixes effectively despite its bright nature when used solo.

    Source

Mods and upgrades

  • Modifying the normal channel's cathode resistor and cap to 1959 or 2203 specs offers diverse tonal options.

    Source
  • A Lar-Mar post phase inverter master volume is effective for controlling volume without sacrificing tone, especially noted in EL34 circuits.

    Source
  • Bright cap dial switches ranging from 100pF to 4700pF are popular mods for tonal flexibility in different guitar setups.

    Source
  • Installing a master volume using a speaker out for the knob is a recommended mod, reversible for resale.

    Source

Comparisons

  • The Jet City JCM 800 2204 clone provides an affordable hand-wired alternative at around $900, offering a close tonal match to the JMP.

    Source
  • Ceriatone 2204 is praised for its exceptional build quality, offering similar or better performance compared to some original 2204s.

    Source
  • The Peavey Windsor and Classic 30 are frequently mentioned as budget-friendly alternatives capturing the JMP's percussive tone.

    Source
  • Known as the "little brother" to the Model 1959 100W "Super Lead," this amp maintains a similar tonal quality with less power.

    Source
  • This amp is a direct descendant of the Fender 5F6-A Bassman, with differences in power tubes and preamp stages, offering more preamp gain.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The four input jacks allow for channel jumping, running both channels parallel for a unique tonal blend.

    Source
  • Canadian models might lack a 16-ohm selector option, distinguishing them from other JMP models.

    Source
  • Some models are missing the 'Mains' selector dial, which could impact international usability without modification.

    Source
  • The JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head has a polarity switch absent in earlier models, which can affect how it interacts with different power supplies.

    Source
  • The EQ section is subtle, with the amp responding well to guitar tone knob adjustments for fine-tuning sound.

    Source

User experience

  • The amp is notably bright and loud, requiring volume for optimal tone, making it unsuitable for quiet environments without an attenuator.

    Source

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Artist usage

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See how Deniz Tek uses Marshall JMP MKII 50 Watt Lead Head

Deniz Tek

Guitarist, Composer

Radio Birdman

...
Verified via Vintage Guitar® magazine

I used it on the early recordings, but switched over to Marshalls when we started playing bigger places; I had a 100-watt JMP and a 50-watt MKII. The 50-watt didn’t have a Master Volume and was louder than the JMP by far. Anything with the Volume knob past 4 was lethal. I used Marshalls from then on.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

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dimiknowsbest

dimiknowsbest

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